UKTV homes in on NBCU content

Channel group will air 'Harm,' 'Grimm' and 'Suits'

British channel group UKTV has signed a content deal for scripted drama with NBCUniversal Intl. Television Distribution.

UKTV, co-owned by BBC Worldwide and Scripps Network Interactive, has secured rights to the U.S. skein “Do No Harm” and future seasons of “Grimm” for its flagship entertainment channel Watch. Deal also includes additional seasons of “Suits.”

“‘Do No Harm’s’ exciting new twist on the Jekyll and Hyde story is original and out of the ordinary, making it a perfect fit for Watch and the ideal companion to established U.S. drama ‘Grimm,’ which continues to attract a large audience,” said UKTV controller Emma Tennant.

“Do No Harm” will air Stateside in 2013 and preem on Watch in summer. “Grimm” has attracted a loyal following on Watch, with the first series averaging just under 1 million viewers per episode.

Tennant added: ” ‘Suits’ has also been a huge breakout hit for us on Dave, proving that U.S. drama can work on the channel and we are delighted to have secured future seasons for our U.K. viewers.”

“Suits” marks Dave channel’s first U.S. skein and averages more than 700,000 viewers per episode. Second season will air in early 2013.

“We are very pleased to extend our relationship with UKTV through this deal,” said Belinda Menendez, prexy of NBCUniversal Intl. Television Distribution and Universal Networks Intl. Tennant ordered all three scripted skeins for the net alongside general managers Steve Hornsey (Watch) and Steve North (Dave).